By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Proteas have announced significant changes to their team ahead of the crucial fourth ODI against Australia, which is a do-or-die clash.
The announcement comes on the heels of a couple of injury setbacks that have disrupted South Africa’s campaign.
Proteas fast bowler Anrich Nortje has been ruled out of the remaining two matches of the Betway one-day international (ODI) series against Australia due to a lower back injury.
The 29-year-old underwent scans and consulted with a specialist this week, and will start bowling again this weekend under the supervision of the Proteas medical team. A further update will be provided in due course.
ODI captain Temba Bavuma is also unavailable for selection for the fourth ODI at SuperSport Park, Centurion on Friday.
Bavuma has a right adductor strain and as a precautionary measure, he has been ruled out of the match.
Aiden Markram will captain the side in Bavuma’s absence.
Bavuma, on the other hand, had been a standout performer with both bat and captaincy. He scored a fifty in South Africa’s commanding 111-run win in the third ODI and also smashed a brilliant century in the series opener.
Proteas ODI Squad Against Australia
Temba Bavuma (captain, DP World Lions), Gerald Coetzee (Momentum Multiply Titans), Quinton de Kock (Momentum Multiply Titans), Bjorn Fortuin (DP World Lions), Reeza Hendricks (DP World Lions), Marco Jansen (Dafabet Warriors), Heinrich Klaasen (Momentum Multiply Titans), Sisanda Magala (DP World Lions), Keshav Maharaj (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Aiden Markram (Momentum Multiply Titans), David Miller (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Lungi Ngidi (Momentum Multiply Titans), Andile Phehlukwayo (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Tabraiz Shamsi (Momentum Multiply Titans), Kagiso Rabada (DP World Lions), and Rassie van der Dussen (DP World Lions).
Betway ODI Series
Thursday, 07 September – 13:00
South Africa lost to Australia by 3 wickets at Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein
Saturday, 09 September – 13:00
South Africa lost to Australia by 123 runs at Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein
Tuesday, 12 September – 13:00
South Africa beat Australia by 111 runs – JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom
Friday, 15 September – 13:00
South Africa v Australia – SuperSport Park, Centurion
Sunday, 17 September – 10:00
South Africa v Australia – DP World Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg.